Major Samuel Ringgold, a graduate of West Point who served with General Zachary Taylor, was an expert in the field of light artillery. In May 1846, during the Battle of Palo Alto, Ringgold's artillery unit out-fired and overpowered the Mexican artillery batteries. Ringgold sustained a mortal wound during the initial battle and died a few days later. Samuel Ringgold (1800 - 1846)